DIY diffuser.

[Gareth]

Not sure if this one has been done before but here goes.  All you need is to be one of lives 'hoarders' and have kept a white film canister from a camera you haven't owned in years (I'm thinking of you Neil  ).

Cut out the middle of the lid and make eight equally spaced cuts, like so.


Then add the lid back onto the canister.


This should then fit on most 'standard' sized AA or CR123A lights.


Even better it'll then stand, even if the light can't normally.


A couple of action shots.




Silly as it sounds I'm actually quite pleased with this even if, as I suspect, this isn't a totally original idea.  Enjoy.

[nuphoria]

I've seen it done with a few other items, but not the film pot.

Works a treat 

[Chako]

I have never seen that applied to a flashlight before...but I have done similar for a pop up flash on a compact camera.

[Millhouse]

Excellent mod. Although done before, it can be difficult finding objects that fit.

When used with the strobe mode, it is a great way of attracting attention.

[Gareth]

Thanks all.   I've seen other improvised diffusers before, lip-balm lids etc, but most seem to be for smaller AAA lights.  This one, with the plenty of lumen going through it, actually works well as a lantern.

Excellent mod. Although done before, it can be difficult finding objects that fit.

When used with the strobe mode, it is a great way of attracting attention.

Too right, the strobe from my iTP would be hard to miss with this on.

[Neil]

An old picture from back when I owned a mag...



Not done as neatly as Gareth's either.  Yes I still have a couple of film canisters rolling about the place 

What other modern alternatives can we think of 

[Gareth]

LOL, how did I guess?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Nice bit of recycling too

[Gareth]

OK so the only other one I've done was a Vick's Sinex tube for an AAA sized light.

[jekostas]

An old picture from back when I owned a mag...

Not done as neatly as Gareth's either.  Yes I still have a couple of film canisters rolling about the place 

What other modern alternatives can we think of 

Ziploc Press 'N Seal

[Neil]

OK so the only other one I've done was a Vick's Sinex tube for an AAA sized light.

....

That works well

Ziploc Press 'N Seal

As in the bags   I think I need pics on this one.

[jekostas]

OK so the only other one I've done was a Vick's Sinex tube for an AAA sized light.

....

That works well

Ziploc Press 'N Seal

As in the bags   I think I need pics on this one.

Sorry, GLAD Press N Seal film.  Wrong company.  It's a frosted film similar to wax paper, but it's self-adhesive and doesn't leave a residue behind.  You just cut to size and press it on the lens - bingo, instant (and ultra freaking cheap) diffusion filter.  You can roll it around the battery compartment to always have a couple on hand.  Got the idea off of CPF.